Multidisciplinary Treatment

When it comes to chronic pain it often takes a Multidisciplinary Treatment team approach to adequately treat the condition. Consider the many things that possibly come into play and need to be addressed.

For example:

- There is the source of pain itself, such as a herniated disc of the spine.

- Which may put pressure on the nerves causing more damage.

- This leads to the natural tendency to splint and guard the area.

- Which creates an increase in pain.

- This level of pain can cause the inability to get adequate sleep.

- Which leads to exhaustion and fatigue.

- All of which produces a sense of hopelessness (depression).

- Which leads to pushing family and friends away.

- This doesn’t even consider the emotional aspect of a trauma that may have been life threatening.

And on and on the cycle goes:

- The medical community may miss diagnose your condition.

- A myriad of medications may be tried unsuccessfully or have side effects.

- Certain diagnostic procedures cause more injury.

- Self-esteem diminishes, as you have to limp or use a cane.

You get the idea.

Anytime someone is in constant pain over a long period of time there develops a multitude of problems other than just the original source of pain. And to deal with this it takes a team of experts who can work together to address the particular problems. Unfortunately, finding this team of experts can be quite difficult. So the best thing to understand is that YOU, the person with the problem needs to be in charge. Work with those who will work with you: those who treat you with respect and are willing to acknowledge their own limitations.